CountryWide Autumn 2026
The farming rulebook has changed
The recent record sale of a dairy farm in mid-Canterbury has Tom Laming reflecting on how we can take a different approach to dairy farming’s future. Words Tom Laming.
Subdivision of rural land – facts and fiction
The subdivision of rural land into small/lifestyle blocks, and especially for urban use, has always been contentious. The National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Soils, is the latest attempt to control the issue. Phil Journeaux, a Consulting Agricultural Economist based in Waikato, points out that it is a castle built on sand. Words Phil Journeaux
Feed mills get behind NZ-grown grains
The benefits of grain feeding in pastoral dairy systems are often overlooked. Mid Canterbury-based livestock feed manufacturing mill, Advanced Feed, has been one of the first to get behind a New Zealand-grown grains initiative. Words Heather Chalmers.
Farming is generational, co-operatives get that
LIC chair Corrigan Sowman shares his thoughts on the generational importance of co-operatives. Words Corrigan Sowman.
The mutual difference
FMG was created in 1905 when a group of farmers challenged the status quo. At the time, insurance options were limited to overseas-owned companies that didn’t understand New Zealand land, weather or farming risks. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
Beyond the boom
As arable and pastoral farming face a chemical-light future, a Swiss precision technology has AI sprayers already in use in Canterbury and Pukekohe, slashing chemical use by 80-90% and improving yields. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
Beyond resistance
Chemical resistance in pesticides was a hot topic at the Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Science (NZIAHS) symposium, recently held at Lincoln University, where scientists discussed the topic of nature fighting back. Words Tom Ward.
Intergenerational annual pilgrimage
A special horse trek each year teaches young people more than just how to ride a horse. Members of the Stephenson family gather and ride across the whenua that binds them. Words Rebecca Greaves, Photos Vicky Simpson.
Body Condition Scoring benefits reproductive performance
Body condition has a significant influence on the reproductive performance of breeding cows. The most value can be generated by reducing the number of low conditioned cows in the herd.
Words Sandra Taylor.
Yard weaning benefits growth rates and calf health
As calf weaning gets underway, Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is encouraging farmers to consider yard weaning as a way to get calves off to a great start. Words Sandra Taylor.